A ramp-way dropped down below the ship, and I climbed the eight steps up into the ship’s hold. I turned and looked back down at the deck as a whiff of animal smell entered my nostrils. Most Gruntas had an excellent sense of smell, and I was no exception. When I turned back, I was facing a 130-pound drooling beast. It was staring at me with an intent that was not friendly. It was a Human dog called a Rottweiler. Humans loved their pets, and the fact that a Rottweiler was standing in front of me told me there was a Human somewhere nearby. I took another sniff and detected just a hint of a perfume. "Who’s there? This is a government ship!" A short, thin, brunette Human stepped out from the cockpit. "You must be Knog. Sorry for the intrusion, but I got tired of waiting to be introduced. I was supposed to meet you here tomorrow. I’m Jonias Salton, by the way. And this is my friend Raptor. He’s as friendly as they come once he trusts you." The brunette stepped forward and held out her hand.
